National Road Safety Strategy 2011-2020

The National Road Safety Strategy 2011-2020 consultation draft was released for public comment today.

All Australians are encouraged to have their say on saving lives on our roads by providing their ideas on the National Road Safety Strategy 2011-2020 consultation draft released for public comment by the Australian Transport Council (ATC) today.

Catherine King, Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport, said all road users play a crucial role in helping to reduce accidents and road trauma.

“With road safety being one of my key responsibilities I am keen to hear what our nation has to say on the issue. It is time to have a national conversation about road safety” Ms King said.

“The National Road Safety Strategy 2011-2020 will provide the framework for Australia’s governments to tackle the tragedy and pain of road crashes.

“We are coming into the holiday season and I plea to Australians road users to be safe on our roads. We all share the responsibility of making this years holiday toll as low as possible.”

“Living in regional Australia I have seen the devastation road deaths and serious injuries cause to local communities–now we all have the chance to help cut the toll.

“Everyone can provide input on the draft which is aimed at Safe Roads, Safe Speeds, Safe Vehicles, and Safe People.

“The draft strategy makes the point that Australians should not regard death and serious injury as an inevitable cost of road travel. It targets a 30 per cent reduction in fatalities and serious injuries in the next ten years.

“With road crashes killing 1,500 people each year, seriously injuring 30,000, and costing the economy $27 billion, we must do more to change the way we think and respond to the road safety challenge.

“The draft was developed by the Commonwealth and state and territory road authorities and now road safety campaigners, researchers, community groups, and even individuals have the chance to contribute to this key strategy to save lives.

“I encourage everyone to stand up and have their say for the future,” Ms King concluded.

The National Road Safety Strategy 2011-2020 will set the road safety landscape across the nation for the next ten years.